The Formula 1 world has been shaken again by an unexpected and explosive development within the Red Bull camp.If Verstappen, father and adviser to world champion Max Verstappen, this week has attracted the attention of the entire Paddock with harsh words. According to several sources, he has team bossLaurent Mekiesof Visa Cash app RB set an ultimatum:Helmut Marko – or Max does not run in the GP of Belgium this weekend.
The threat came as a thunderbolt in clear sky, especially because it was expressed just before the race weekend in Spa-Francorchamps, one of Max’s favorite circuits and his home race. According to Insiders, the tension between the Verstappen family and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko had been building for months, with internal conflicts about strategic decisions, media community and Max ’future within the team.
Jos Verstappen is said to have reached the border after recent statements by Marko in which he put the role of Max into perspective within the team, and critically expressed himself about the influence of his father. What followed was a private conversation between Jos and Laurent Mekies, in which Jos did not have a leaf for the mouth:
“If Marko is still there this weekend, then Max will not show up.”
The pressure on Mekies was immediately felt. As a young team boss, in an organization that still falls under the large Red Bull head office, he was in an extremely difficult position. But to the surprise of many – and admiration of some – he tookA shocking decision within 24 hours.
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Friday morning confirmed an official statement from the Red Bull camp thatHelmut Marko is temporarily relieved of his active role, with the reason “internal restructuring and room for dialogue between parties involved.” Although the word “dismissal” was not used, it is clear that this is a direct response to Jos Verstappens threat.
Fans’s reaction worldwide was mixed. Some supported Jos ’point of view:
“He protects the interests of his son, rightly,”Said a fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Others expressed their concerns about the increasing power of the Verstappen family within the team.“Since when does a father dictate the course of an F1 team?”
At the press conference prior to the race, Max Verstappen gave himself a short, diplomatic response:
“We all want the best for the team. Sometimes it is necessary to make things negotiable.”
Whether this internal power struggle has consequences for Max’s future at Red Bull is questionable. What is certain is: the Grand Prix of Belgium 2025 is now not only dominated by speed, but also of political tension, family influence and the question of how far one father wants to go to protect his son.
